Easter bunny coming to Shorewood

This year the Easter bunny will hide more than 10,000 eggs at The Timbers of Shorewood’s sixth annual Hippity-Hop Easter Egg Hunt on April 3.

I’ve been writing about their kid-friendly events since my column began, and the senior independent and assisted living retirement community never ceases to amaze me.

The hunt is one of the many things The Timbers does to mesh their residents with the community at large. In fall, the retirement community hosts a haunted house, and in the winter it always does something fun at Christmas.

Not only are The Timbers’ free activities fun for children, the seniors benefit, as well. Too often, miles separate grandparents and grandchildren, robbing both of a very necessary experience.

The joy and optimism that grows from seeing a child in wonderment can lift a senior’s spirits, especially for those who don’t receive regular family visits. Lifted spirits can go a long way in warding off loneliness and depression.

Last year more than 1,000 people attended the Easter egg hunt, which was double from the year before. This year, the staff expects the participation to grow again.

The hunt will be held both indoor and outdoor and will be scheduled according to age. But don’t just come for the hunt — come for the day, too.

In addition to collecting eggs, kids can get their photo taken with the Easter bunny and pet more than 25 animals, from goats to sheep to a pot-bellied pig and, of course, bunnies. Caricature artists Dan Laib and Angel Contrares will be there doing free caricatures.

Entertainment includes magicians, a juggler and pianist Dennis Colby. Kids can jump in a moon walk, play games for prizes, and consume popcorn, hot chocolate and cookies.